"You've enjoyed the break?" I asked.
"It's been amazing."
"I have something planned for tonight."
"Oh?" she asked, surprised.
"Get changed and we can go."
"You aren't going to tell me what you have planned?"
"No, it's a surprise."
Quentin hated surprises. She hated not being in control, but sometimes, it was healthy for her to relinquish the tight hold she had on everything, even if I forced her hand.
"Fine," she huffed.
She grabbed some clothes from her case and disappeared into the bathroom.
I knew this wasn't helping my case. I'd hid with Scott, away from facing the reality of what was happening between us. Away from the truth of the binding. There would be no point when I'd have to break it because I'd be back in Elysia with the rest. And maybe it'd be smarter to stay away, but it was easier said than done.
When I returned from the trip, I needed to talk to Erik. We needed to figure out the best way of resolving this. For now, I intended to enjoy my time with her. It was rare to have her undivided attention.
"You seem deep in thought."
I turned around and clenched my jaw. Quentin was dressed in a little black dress that skimmed the top of her thighs and made my mouth run dry.
"Presentable enough for whatever you have planned?" she asked.
I loved it when she wore black. I loved seeing her draped in my colour and I noticed more and more how she opted for black when she was with me. An unconscious decision that stirred something primal and feral deep inside.
"Perfect." I walked towards her, keeping my resolve by a fraying thread. "You have everything?"
She nodded, picking up her purse from the bed before I offered her my arm and we left.
I took Quentin out to dinner. In keeping with having her let go of her control, it was a restaurant that served in complete darkness. We sat in pitch black, which was my comfort zone, and ate together. She was tense at first, but by dessert, she let go, relaxing and enjoying the experience.
"I didn't know they even had restaurants like that," she commented as we left.
"Something a little different. I thought you might appreciate it."
"Thank you, Gray. I've had a wonderful evening."
"Actually, I have one more surprise."
She narrowed her eyes but took my arm. I let my aura transport us both to the edge of a body of water where a small boat stood on the shore.
"You got me dressed up for a boat trip?"
"I promise you'll love it."
"Bold statement, Grayson.”
I rolled my eyes behind her. I had one-hundred per cent confidence that she'd enjoy the evening. Carefully, I helped her into the boat, my hands brushing against the bare skin on her back where the dress was cut away to reveal her skin. Once she sat herself down, I got in and set us off down the water.
"You know that this is perfect for murder? Successful woman gets into a boat with a strange man and that's the end of her," Quen mused.
I fixed her with a look. "Why am I the murderer in this instance?"
